Easy Chocolate Chess Pie

Love old-fashioned Southern desserts? My Mississippi Mud Cake is another vintage favorite that brings the chocolate in a big, bold, marshmallowy way.

This recipe is an old family recipe that's been passed down several generations. It's an old fashioned, southern tradition that I start dreaming about months before the holidays 🙂

Why You'll Love This Pie

Just like my Lemon Chess Pie, it's made with simple pantry staples without any complicated steps.

This recipe could not be any easier - just mix the ingredients with a whisk, pour into a store-bought crust, and bake it in your oven!

The chocolate filling always turns out thick and creamy, so there's no need to add cornstarch or flour to the pie filling.

Raleigh, one of my readers, summed it up perfectly: "This is honestly my new go to dessert recipe. It is so easy and so delicious!"

Key Ingredients

Here's a labeled photo of the ingredients for this recipe. I've included some ingredient notes as well. The ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Unbaked Pie Shell - use refrigerated or frozen - both work well! Regular or deep dish crust (deep dish only for spillage protection but not necessary). You can use a graham cracker crust instead; however, a regular pie crust is more traditional.
• Cocoa powder - use unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Granulated sugar - be sure to correctly measure the sugar. No heaping scoops which can alter the texture of the filling.
• Evaporated Milk - adds to the rich flavor and creamy texture. Which is why I also use in for my Sweet Potato Pie! It's almost too good, haha!
• Vanilla Extract - use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Eggs - it's best to use room temperature eggs (let them set on the counter for about 30 minutes).
• Butter - use salted or unsalted. Use softened butter, not melted. 

Uses for Leftover Ingredients

Unbaked pie shells: you probably have 2 pie shells since they usually come 2 to a package. And since pie shells aren't just for desserts, use the other pie shell to make this fabulous Savory Zucchini Pie. It tastes just like zucchini casserole but in a pie shell!

Cocoa powder: these homemade chocolate muffins also have cocoa powder in them for a rich, deep chocolate flavor.

Ingredient Add-Ins

Elevate your chocolate chess pie by adding unexpected ingredients that deepen the flavor or add a twist.

Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling. It intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

Chopped Pecans: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans for a little crunch and Southern twist.

Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for even more chocolate goodness.

How to Make Chocolate Chess Pie

Photo 1: Using a whisk, blend the butter, eggs, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Photo 2: Pour the filling into a pie shell. Use a refrigerated or a frozen crust (both are delicious).

Photo 3: Bake at 350F for 35-45 minutes until the center is slightly set (or until pie reaches 200F with a digital thermometer).

Chocolate lovers must also try my Triple Layer Chocolate Cake or Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Chocolate Ganache Glaze!

Recipe Tips

• Before baking, place the unfilled pie crust on a cookie sheet.  Then pour the ingredients into the pie.  This makes it easier to get the pie in and out of the oven without spilling any of the filling.
• Do not melt the butter! Use butter that is soft but not melted because it will change the texture of the pie.
• The pie filling won't be thick before baking; in fact, it will be quite liquidy.  This is okay!  After the pie bakes and cools, it will thicken nicely.
• I've had people tell me they've baked the pie for up to 50 minutes, so please check the pie often. If the crust starts to get too brown before the pie is done, you can remove the pie from the oven and cover the edges of the crust with foil (or use a pie crust shield, this one is adjustable); then return pie to oven to finish baking.

Serving Tips

Transform your dessert into an experience by pairing chocolate chess pie with creative sides or garnishes.

• Top with whipped cream or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or both like we do, lol).
• Try serving with some fresh strawberries or blueberries, as well.  This pie is awesome when served with a glass of ice-cold milk!
• Serve with a dollop of peanut butter on top or on the side.  This tip brought to you by my chocolate-peanut-butter-combination-loving husband!
• After the pie has cooled, sprinkle some sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combo.

Presentation Tips

Make your chocolate chess pie visually unforgettable with unique garnishes and plating ideas.

• Stenciled Powdered Sugar: Use a lace doily or a stencil to dust powdered sugar over the top of the pie in a pretty pattern. Note:  wait for the pie to completely cool before adding powdered sugar because the powdered sugar will get gummy on top of a warm pie.
• Mini Pies: Make individual chocolate chess pies in small tart pans or ramekins-perfect for single servings with a "wow" factor.

How to Transport a Pie

So now that you've made this delicious pie, what is the best way to transport it?  I recently discovered a plastic carrier that's perfect for transporting pies, muffins, and cupcakes.  It's the Southern Homewares 3-in-1 Plastic Holder Container.  It offers easy-grip handles, a snap-tight lid, and it's made out of durable plastic.  Available now on Amazon!

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